We independently evaluate the products and services we review. When you buy via links on our site, we may receive compensation. Read more about how we vet what we recommend, here.
New York City moving permits and licenses: Everything you need to know
Moving regulations in New York City are lax, but rules exist that could trip up your New York residency. Here’s what you need to know for an easy NYC moving day.
In 2020 alone, New York City saw more than 534,142 change of address forms for existing residents either making an intracity move or for new residents seeking a fresh start in the Big Apple. With that many apartments swapping hands, knowing exactly what you need if you’re moving to or from the city is important.
Thankfully, New York City permits and licensing regulations are relatively straightforward. Here’s everything you need to know about NYC moving permits.
More moving articles from Yahoo Local
Do you need a permit to move into or within New York City?
No, you do not need a relocation or moving permit in New York City. However, if you plan to use a large box truck or commercial vehicle, you may need a parking permit, an over-dimensional vehicle permit or both, which are issued by the NYC Department of Transportation (DOT). An over-dimensional vehicle permit costs $35 per trip and must be requested at least 48 hours before the day you need it. Your building may also request a Certificate of Insurance (COI) from your moving company if you're using one.
What is an over-dimensional vehicle permit?
New York City streets can be narrow and tightly packed with cars and other objects. An over-dimensional vehicle permit is required when a truck enters the city limits and exceeds the maximum dimensions of 13.5 feet tall, 8 feet wide and 55 feet long. The permit allows a vehicle to travel within the city, as long as it sticks to an approved list of streets to avoid getting stuck or causing damage. The route has just under 1,000 miles of truck-approved roadways and can be quite complex.
When do you need an over-dimensional vehicle permit in NYC?
If your moving vehicle exceeds any of the 13.5 feet tall, 8 feet wide and 55 feet long dimensions, you need an over-dimensional permit.
If your move involves a box truck, you must confirm its dimensions before your moving day. According to the city's DOT, "single-vehicle units," such as box trucks, have a maximum allowed length of 35 feet, a width of 8 feet, and a height of 13.5 feet. Single-vehicle units do not require an over-dimensional vehicle permit.
Around the 20-foot box truck mark and beyond, you should pay close attention to your vehicle's dimensions and may need to get an over-dimensional vehicle permit. The make and model of each vehicle may have different dimensions. For example, a 20-foot box truck rented from Enterprise has a width of 8.5 feet, meaning it's designated as a "multi-unit vehicle" and requires a permit.
You need only one permit for intracity moves or moves from one location in New York City to another. If you're entering NYC and leaving afterward, you’ll need a permit for both legs of the trip. Each permit costs $35 and must be applied for at least 48 hours before your move date.
If you're using a moving company, ask who is responsible for obtaining this permit.
Do you need a parking permit for moving trucks in New York?
Finding a parking spot for a compact car in New York City can be a nightmare, and finding one for a large pickup or box truck on your moving day can be downright impossible.
While you do not need to obtain a parking permit, the DOT has numerous explicit related rules. You can scout ahead using the DOT’s virtual sign map, which shows you the rules for any block within the city. You can also check the DOT’s Permit Management System map for construction or closed roads that may affect your route or parking access on a specific date.
The most important rules are as follows.
1. Pay attention to parking signs
Your moving van or truck will probably need to stay parked for at least a couple of hours. Watch for No Stopping, No Parking, or No Standing signs and time limits, as traffic enforcement officers will happily write you up for ignoring them.
2. Alternate Side Parking (ASP)
During certain times on certain days and on different blocks and in boroughs, the legal side of the street to park on changes to allow for street cleaning. The DOT's SweepNYC tool lets you check the ASP rules for your parking address.
3. Watch for fire hydrants
Parking within 15 feet of a fire hydrant is a great way to get towed. You cannot park near one at any time, and the city cracks down on offenders.
4. Double parking is allowed, but ...
Commercial and large vehicles are allowed to double park with two caveats. First, there cannot be a free parking spot within 100 feet of where you are double parked. Second, you must comply with any signs that curb-parked cars must follow and comply with instructions from the NYPD and any construction crew flagpersons. You can find the full set of New York City double-parking rules here.
Do moving companies need a license or permit to operate in NYC?
To comply with state and city ordinances, moving companies must be licensed by the Commissioner of Transportation at the New York DOT. This license comes with a NYDOT number and is usually available on any reputable moving firm’s website, advertisements, and truck decals. If you can’t find it, call and ask them for it. You can verify the license by emailing it and the company’s name to nymoving@dot.ny.gov or by calling (518) 457-6512.
The NY DOT only certifies companies that complete moves that start and finish within New York State. Interstate moves that cross state lines are regulated at the federal level, and federally licensed moving companies must have a USDOT license, which is simple to verify via the federal DOT’s website.
What is a Certificate of Insurance (COI)?
A COI is a document that verifies a moving company has an insurance policy to cover damage that may occur during a move in or out of a building. This damage could be to the stairs, elevator or doorways due to moving large boxes or heavy furniture. Building owners often want or require COIs when new tenants move in.
When do you need a COI in New York?
New York State requires moving companies to have various insurance policies, including workers’ compensation, truck, and general liability policies. This guarantees they’ll have the funds to cover any damages should something go wrong.
While some moving companies provide free COIs, there could be a fee between $10 and $50. If the building you’re moving into or out of requests a COI, you may have to pay this fee on top of your other moving costs.
